This recipe is straightforward making it perfect for busy nights when you need a no-fuss dinner option that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone who cooks regularly, you’ll find this stew easy to make and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with some crusty bread in hand for a rustic, old-fashioned classic dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic comfort food, with maximum flavor.
- Pearl onions are used for the best texture.
- Cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Freezer friendly!
Our Beef Stew has all of the old-fashioned elements you’d want along with all of the flavor. This is pure comfort in a bowl with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and all the right herbs and spices.
This stew boasts a deep, savory flavor balanced with subtle hints of sweetness and spice, courtesy of a blend of herbs and our not-so-secret ingredient: Worcestershire sauce. The beef becomes fork-tender, melting in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredient Notes
Beef: We recommend a simple stew meat which is cubed chuck roast. Most grocery stores offer stew meat, already cut, near the butcher department. You can cube your own chuck roast, or use a similar cut like bottom round, top round, and brisket.
Potatoes: Red potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes hold up better in a stew than russet potatoes, and they don’t even need peeling! Russet potatoes can become grainy due to their high starch content.
Pearl Onions: Raw pearl onions are seasonal, but you can always find them in the frozen section at your local grocery store. They have a nice, mild flavor, are already peeled, and ready to add whole into this stew. If you can’t find these little gems, a regular chopped white onion will also work, but trust me, pearl onions are worth hunting down for their unique texture and flavor.
Troubleshooting
- If the stew is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry and simmer until thickened.
- For stew that’s too thick, slowly stir in additional beef broth until desired consistency is reached.
- If the beef isn’t tender after the recommended cooking time, continue to simmer until it reaches the desired tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting stew with dinner rolls for dipping or a light green salad for a balanced meal. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or a gathering where you want to offer a warm, welcoming dish.
Tips from the Chef
- Brown the beef well to develop deep flavors in the stew.
- Cut vegetables into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Cool the stew to room temperature before transferring it to containers for storage.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if necessary to adjust consistency.
To freeze, transfer to an airtight freezer container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months.
more favorite Stew recipes
Comforting Irish Stew
3 hrs 15 mins
Old Fashioned Chicken Stew
1 hr 5 mins
Instant Pot Beef Stew
1 hr 50 mins
Slow Cooker Irish Stew
6 hrs 15 mins
Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
This really is the best beef stew. Even the family member who says she doesn’t like beef stew ate 2 bowls !
I love your recipes! I have been cooking for my family for over 50 years so I think I can see a good recipe when I see one!! Thank you for all your efforts to do this even with your little ones!!
This is my go to recipe .
Love it.
This recipe rocks! The flavors are incredible. It’s a little cold and dreary in eastern PA today so it was a perfect day to try this out. Really good.
Thanks!
This is my second time making this dish. It is one that my family asked me to make over and over. I always think its do much work until I seen the slow cooker directions!! Its in the slow cooker and the smell is amazing.
this beef stew is so delicious.
I will make it again & again yummy
Fantastic recipe she is great.
Was wondering were you can purchase the small plastic cups she uses for her spices, salt etc? Please advise I have sent my e-mail address. Thamks
Hi Sandy. She is using small glass Pyrex bowls. These glass bowls come in various sizes. Look for them at Walmart, Target, etc. I have some that also came with lids. Very inexpensive too!
Fabulous delicious
I made the beefstew it was delicious can I replace the beef with chicken ?
I love watching you. You’re one of the best cooking instructors. Your narrative is perfect, as sighted in this recipe video. I saw the list of ingredients and was hesitant. The first thing you addressed was the list of ingredients and most are spices. Whew. I went forward and I’m so glad I did. Every recipe I’ve tried of yours is exceptional! You’re my secret weapon!! Love your stuff!